The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Before Gatsby's party ends, he calls Jordan Baker for a private conversation and apparently informs her on something incredible as she shows an overflow of excitement toward Nick once the conversation ceases. Fitzgerald closes the party with a slew of drunken blunders from Gatsby's guests which leaves his audience in the dark as to what Gatsby's exciting news could have been. Certainly, it will be very important later in the novel. The focal point, rather, of the second half of chapter three is Nick Carraway's desire for companionship and the consequent development of a romance between Jordan Baker and Nick. After his anecdote on Gatsby's extravaganza, Nick laments, "At the enchanted metropolitan twilight I felt a haunting loneliness sometimes . . ." implying that he yearns to have someone by his side (Fitzgerald 56). Jordan Baker seems the most prominent contender. Curiously, however, Fitzgerald, through Nick, reveals to his audience that Jordan is "incurably dishonest", the complete opposite of a relentlessly honest Nick (Fitzgerald 58). Thus, not only does Jordan become Nick's latest love interest, but his perfect foil character as well. As such, Jordan's character flaw marred my perception of her relationship with Nick. At first, I was excited for the possibility of love between the two. Now, such a relationship appears as if it might cause Nick more detriment than anything else, especially because he would be breaking a current long-distance relationship to pursue Jordan. Keep a close eye on Miss Baker, old sport, and be careful.
No comments:
Post a Comment